Pogba’s tribute as France rock Russia

paUL pOGBa looked to the heavens after scoring a wonder goal as France proved too strong for Russia in St petersburg last night. The Manchester United midfielder’s father, Fassou antoine, died last May after a long illness. He would have been 80 yesterday.

in tribute pogba had written ‘Joyeux anniversaire, papa. allah y Rahmou,’ on his T-shirt which translates as ‘Happy Birthday, papa, may allah have mercy on you.’

pogba has struggled in a disappointing campaign under manager Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, but the stunning free- kick which prompted his emotional tribute came four minutes into the second half and put France in control at 2-0 up.

Just four days after losing 3-2 at home to Colombia, France were in far better form. pogba set up Kylian Mbappe for the first of his two goals just before the interval. Russia reduced the arrears through Fyodor Smolov, but Mbappe, 19, sealed the win seven minutes from the end.